Born in Chitwan District, Nepal
Sandeep Lamichhane
सन्दीप लामिछाने
Leg-spin bowler and the first Nepali cricketer to play in the Indian Premier League
Currently Leg-spin bowler, Nepal national cricket team, Cricket Association of Nepal
About
Sandeep Lamichhane rose from playing in local parks in Chitwan to becoming the most accomplished cricketer Nepal has produced. Former captain Raju Khadka and coach Pubudu Dasanayake discovered him.
In 2018, he became the first Nepali player ever selected for the Indian Premier League. He signed with the Delhi Capitals. He went on to play in T20 franchise leagues across India, Australia, Pakistan, and the West Indies. He became the face of Nepali cricket internationally.
Between 2022 and 2024, his career was significantly disrupted. He faced a rape accusation. This led to his arrest and his suspension as national captain. In December 2023, he was convicted and given an eight-year prison sentence. In May 2024, the Patan High Court overturned this conviction on appeal. After this, the Cricket Association of Nepal lifted his suspension and brought him back to the team.
Since then, he has continued playing for the national team, as its leading spin bowler. This includes the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Quick facts
- Born
- 2000-08-02
- Birthplace
- Chitwan District, Nepal
- Profession
- Cricketer
- Current role
- Leg-spin bowler, Nepal national cricket team, Cricket Association of Nepal
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Leg-spin bowler, Nepal national cricket team
Cricket Association of Nepal
Previous roles
Captain, Nepal national cricket team
Cricket Association of Nepal
Career & life timeline
- 2000-08-02
- 2018
Became the first Nepali cricketer signed to the Indian Premier League, joining the Delhi Capitals
- 2022
Arrested after being accused of rape in Kathmandu; suspended as national captain
- 2023-12
Convicted of rape by the Kathmandu District Court and later sentenced to eight years in prison
- 2024-05-15
Conviction overturned on appeal by the Patan High Court; the Cricket Association of Nepal lifted his suspension
- 2026-02-08
Played for Nepal against England at the T20 World Cup in Mumbai
Achievements
First Nepali cricketer selected in the Indian Premier League
2018Signed by the Delhi Capitals
First player from Nepal to play in major T20 leagues across India, Australia, Pakistan, and the West Indies
Organizations & affiliations
- Cricket Association of Nepal
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-11